Before jetting off for Cannes, the production behind Woody Allen’s latest romantic drama, Irrational Man, has time to share a trio of new stills for the film which stars Emma Stone, Parker Posey and Inherent Vice star Joaquin Phoenix as a college professor teetering on the brink of an existential crisis.
It’s only when his life is upended by a sprightly student (Stone) that Phoenix gains a sense of perspective and begins to get his life back on track. Familiar though that may be, with Allen behind the lens, we’re holding out hope that Irrational Man proves to be more engaging than its generic synopsis would have you believe.
The drama also represents an opportunity for the esteemed director to serve up a return to form, following the middling reviews levelled at Magic in the Moonlight – also starring Emma Stone – when it opened last year. Allen is no stranger to instilling a palpable sense of charm in his movies, and if the director can balance his directing quirks with a truly compelling take on this familiar dynamic of older, world-weary man and bright and breezy young woman, then Irrational Man could turn out to be more than the sum of its parts.
Woody Allen fans will be pleased to note that the film will be heading to theaters soon than first expected, with Irrational Man making its bow on July 17 following its Cannes premiere.
On a small town college campus, a philosophy professor (Joaquin Phoenix) in existential crisis gives his life new purpose when he enters into a relationship with his student (Emma Stone).
